New York Fashion Week: what we loved

Last week it was the turn of the US designers to show their runway collections for Autumn Winter 2011, so here are a few of favourite collections and a round up of what we thought was important.

Our number one favourite was Luca Luca, simply because we loved the amazing colour palette in lovely, easy to wear shapes. Almost every designer showed fur in their collection and this short ginger fur jacket (described perfectly on Style.com as an orange chubby fox) was our absolute favourite.

Lela Rose

A trip to the Chicago Art Institute to view Gerhard Richter's work inspired the abstract prints in Lela Rose's collection. We loved the eclectic colour palette and flattering shapes and are now on the look out for a knee length pencil skirt.

Caroline Herrera

Described by the designer as streamlined and straightforward, this collection combined delicious shades of darkest chocolate, paprika, aubergine and vintage blue. Retro inspired prints, Mad Men styling and statement evening wear completed the look.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Inspired by style icons Millicent Rogers, Diana Vreeland, and Gloria Vanderbilt, the Queen of the wrap dress named her fall collection 'American Legends'. Tones of raspberry, teal and turq took colour blocking to a whole new level and were perfectly accessorised with coloured fur.

Micheal Kors

Neutrals are back in a big way and no-one did it better than Micheal Kors. Beautifully cut essential key shapes in head to toe colour and sophisticated styling – whats not to love?

Must Haves

Coloured fur – gorgeous and its obviously not real!

Midi skirts – think the length you wore to school in the 70's if you are old enough, think what you would usually consider naff if not. Mid calf length is the way forward especially in denim.

Maxi coats – if you haven't already got a maxi dress for spring – you need to buy one soon. We loved the full length wool coats seen in almost every collection, but wonder how they will fare if it snows – grubby hemlines are so not a good look. So midi may be more practical.

Colour, colour and more colour – is everywhere. If you buy nothing else this Spring and next Winter, treat yourself to something bright. Toffee tones and shades of orange continue to be important, and for A/W they are teamed with rich chocolate browns and caramel shades. If this all sounds a bit too much, fear not, as neutrals are back with a vengeance.

Colour blocking either in individual garments or lots of tones of the same colour in an outfit. Alternatively wear one colour head to toe. Most importantly – make a statement with colour.

Key fabrics include satin, re-worked traditional checks such as hounds tooth and herringbone and we don't like to keep going on about it, but just have to mention it again – fur!